Introduction
The literature on such a critical issue as slavery is of particular value for study and analysis. The significance of these sources lies in the fact that they provide an opportunity to understand better and realize the challenges that people had to go through. The book by Tony Morrison titled “Beloved” provides an insight into the life of an enslaved person, Sethe, who managed to escape from a heavy burden. However, the author shows that despite this, she is still haunted by the past, showing how in real life, slavery still has its imprint on modern society.
Discussion
The main character Sethe goes through significant struggles in the struggle to gain freedom from slavery. Hence, through the main character, the author studies the difficulties associated with slavery and its aftermath. Even though Sethe manages to escape to Ohio, her past does not leave her, which constantly reminds her of itself with fear and disturbing memories. It is stared that she was a “woman with the presence of mind to repair a dog gone savage with pain rocking her crossed ankles and looking away from her own daughter’s body” (Morrison 6). Therefore, the book emphasizes how strong a contribution slavery makes to the formation of human personality. This aspect is relevant for those people who grew up in these conditions from an early age, for example, both for Sethe herself and for her daughter Denver. The main character is unable to escape the memories of her past, and she is constantly confronted with the fact that she constantly has thoughts about it, making it difficult for her to move forward.
Slavery has a severe imprint on the formation of the identity of individuals. It affects Sethe so much that she faces issues in forming an understanding of what she represents as a person. Therefore, the woman has been stripped of her identity and reduced to nothing more than property. This is particularly detrimental to individuals, as it hinders the healthy and full-fledged development of the individual. It is worth noting that one of the main struggles of the main character is the constant feeling of guilt and “she was ashamed and too shamed to say so” (Morrison 35). These feelings arise because she had to kill her own daughter to save her from slavery. In addition, she was constantly being abused by her superiors, which is a critical and disruptive difficulty for a young woman. Thus, she has developed a serious psychological trauma, because of which she cannot find herself and determine ways to make her life better.
However, in addition to the deceased child, Sethe also had other children. Slavery has become the leading fear and threat for the family of the woman. The deterioration of the relationship between mother and young children, as he seriously distorted and traumatized Sethe. The author noted that there was “a blessing she was reckless enough to take for granted” (Morrison 21). Her relationship with her sons is strained, as she is unable to provide for them. Another problem with Sethe is line-by-line tormenting herself for not being able to provide for the family. This aspect is also facilitated by a strong sense of guilt and a desire to get rid of a woman’s terrible past.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Beloved” by Tony Morrison provides a story of the difficulties of Sethe, who wants to escape from the country’s slavery. A woman is so desperate that she kills her little daughter to protect her. However, this act takes a tool for each family member and contributes to a decrease in trusting relationships. At the same time, it is worth noting that the possible psychological traumas of Sethe are facilitated by the abuse she experienced. In this way, the author shows how strongly, and irrevocably harmful events can affect.
Work Cited
Morrison, Tony. Beloved. C. Bourgois Editeur, 2008.